Summer is approaching and we want that beautiful glowing, melanated black skin. Unfortunately, things like hyperpigmentation, dryness, and possibly underlying health issues keep us from being great. Add these tips to your body skincare routine to achieve the appearance of healthy flawless skin.
Welcome to my guide on beautiful black skin! If you’re looking for tips and tricks on how to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll be covering a range of topics, including the best moisturizers for black skin, home remedies for black skin care, and vitamins that can help make your skin glow. I’ll also be discussing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common skin condition that can affect black skin.
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- Skincare Routine for Beautiful Glowing Black Skin
- What Are You Washing With?
- What You Need to Know Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Hair Removal for Beautiful Black Skin
- Find the Best Moisturizer for Black Skin
- Never Opt Out of Sunscreen
- Vitamins for Beautiful Black Skin
- Ayurvedic Herbs for Glowing, Beautiful Black Skin
- Seek Professional Guidance
- Fake it Till You Make it
- Conclusion
Skincare Routine for Beautiful Glowing Black Skin
1. Cleansing
Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser for both your face and body daily.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliate your face 2-3 times a week with glycolic or salicylic acid, and your body 1-2 times a week using a suitable exfoliating scrub.
3. Toning
Apply an alcohol-free toner to your face after cleansing to balance pH.
4. Serums
Use serums with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide on your face for targeted treatment.
5. Moisturizing
Hydrate your face with a rich, hydrating moisturizer in the morning and a suitable body lotion for your body.
6. Sun Protection
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to your face and exposed body areas daily.
7. Nightcare
Use a night cream with retinol or peptides on your face for overnight skin renewal.
8. Hydration
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin well-hydrated.
9. Healthy Diet
Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods to nourish your skin from within.
10. Lifestyle
Manage stress with meditation and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to support overall skin health.
11. Consistency
Stick to this routine consistently to see the best results for your beautiful black skin.
12. Consultation
Seek advice from a dermatologist for specific skin concerns or personalized recommendations.
What Are You Washing With?
Your monotonous body skincare routine might need some tweaking in order to achieve that beautiful black skin you’ve been longing for. Things like soaps, detergents, and water can be holding you back from having that glowing beautiful black skin you so desire.
Soaps for Beautiful Black Skin
I love a soap that leaves me smelling delicious; Unfortunately, that is not all that is left behind. Soaps usually contain several allergens, including fragrances that cause skin irritation, or unsightly rashes. Go for more natural soaps (goat milk soap) or soaps made specifically for sensitive skin such as Dove.
Hard Water Tough Skin
Do you notice soap residue or a film on your skin after hopping out of the shower? You are experiencing the effects of hard water on your skin. Hard water contains pore-clogging minerals, which strip away the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Hard water will have your skin feeling dry out here in these streets. Continued use of hard water can lead to skin conditions acne, or eczema.
How to Combat Hard Water
A quick trip to your local Home Depot can change your entire skin life. A water filtration system for your house can be expensive. Ask your customer service rep about water filters for the bathroom. For me, it was as simple as changing the showerhead.
Test Your Water
Laundry Detergents
Similar to soap laundry detergents contain allergens along with other preservatives, dyes, and chemicals. Ingredients in your favorite smell-good detergent are causing dermatitis. Personally, I switched my detergent out for lavender scent Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap.
What You Need to Know Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) often leaves unsightly marks on black women’s skin, resulting from issues like acne or childhood injuries. While caring for your skin is crucial, PIH is more prevalent in deeper skin tones. Treatment options include topical creams, chemical peels, and lasers. Although home remedies like turmeric can help, they can be messy and time-consuming. Effective exfoliation can make a significant difference by removing dead skin, revealing a fresh complexion.
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation involves using rough material to slough off dead skin cells.
My personal favorite physical exfoliants include sugar scrubs, towels, and dry brushing. I don’t recommend using a scrub if you have highly sensitive skin; Go for an exfoliating towel or gloves with your usual body wash. Dry Brushing not only exfoliates the skin but also stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation, rids the body of toxins, and breaks down cellulite.
Chemical Exfoliation
At your next esthetician appointment inquire about chemical peels. It is chemical exfoliation from ingredients like salicylic, trichloroacetic, lactic, and glycolic acids to improve skin tone and texture. These acids break down the bonds between dead skin cells, peeling a layer of dead skin. Expect to have downtime. Depending on the depth of the peel wait 2-4 weeks before doing the peel again.
While I never advise people to perform their own chemical treatments at home; I understand being on a budget and wanting clear beautiful skin. Check out MakeupArtistChoice for reasonable prices, and PlatinumSkinCare for thorough instructions. Do what you will with that information.
I use body wash and moisturizers containing lactic, or glycolic acid two to three times a week to maintain my results.
Hair Removal for Beautiful Black Skin
In an ideal world, unwanted hair wouldn’t be an issue for beautiful black skin. Affordability aside, hair removal methods impact skin appearance. Before removing hair, exfoliate to prevent issues like strawberry legs and ingrown hairs. Choose a comfortable method, such as shaving, chemical removers like Nair, or waxing. When shaving or waxing, go with the direction of hair growth for a smooth finish. Men’s razors provide a close shave, and using hair conditioner softens body hair. Be cautious with wax temperature by testing on your wrist, and always follow instructions with products like Nair or Veet to avoid potential burns.
Happy Hair Removal!
Find the Best Moisturizer for Black Skin
Moisturizing is my favorite part of getting ready for the day. It’s like my mini spa treatment before taking on the world. Straight out of the shower or tub do not grab that towel. Air drying is your friend! Let the droplets fall where they may! Don’t completely dry before going in with your moisturizer of choice.
Some of the best moisturizers for black skin are oil-based. For a little extra oomph, I layer with my favorite body oil, and emollient-based moisturizer (Vaseline). The goal is to attract and retain moisture balance in the skin.
Never Opt Out of Sunscreen
I absolutely love my people, but for some reason, some of us still didn’t get the memo to use sunscreen all day every day. Yes, our melanin is magical; however, it does not protect us against UV rays, skin cancer, sun damage, and signs of aging. If you did the recommended exfoliation you don’t want to risk hyperpigmentation of fresh new skin. Furthermore, sunscreen can even out skin tone.
Vitamins for Beautiful Black Skin
In addition to moisturizers, home remedies can enhance the health and beauty of your black skin. Consider using coconut oil as a natural moisturizer or creating a honey and turmeric face mask. Vitamins like C boost collagen production and skin elasticity, while vitamin E offers moisturizing benefits.
Adding vitamins and supplements can enhance your journey to beautiful black skin. However, remember that great skin doesn’t come solely from pills. Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial. In my 30s, I became a vitamin enthusiast for vanity’s sake, and now I have a weekly rotation of the following supplements:
*Disclaimer | Consult a Physician before consuming any of these vitamins or supplements.
My Personal Vitamin List
- MSM – Acts as a sulfur donor to keratin, reduces inflammation, strengthens protein, and reduces signs of aging.
- Glutathione – Antioxidant naturally found in human cells that neutralizes free radicals, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies the body. Controversial due to skin-lightening properties that convert melanin to a lighter color and deactivate the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps produce the pigment.
- Collagen Peptides – Help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness
- Vitamin C – Antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals
- Vitamin E – Antioxidant that may be effective at reducing UV damage to the skin
- Super B Complex – reduces skin inflammation, redness, dryness as well as acne. It improves skin cell reproduction, thereby healing skin issues faster.
- Multivitamin – Produces enzymes and hormones, boosts immunity and keeps nerves and organs functioning properly. Aids in reproduction, maintenance, growth, and the regulation of bodily processes
- Evening Primrose – Moisturize and soothe, it can enhance the texture and elasticity of the skin, addressing dryness, irritation, roughness, and wrinkles.
- Probiotics – Prevents skin diseases including eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic inflammation or skin hypersensitivity, UV-induced skin damage, wound protection
- Omega 3 Fish Oil -Regulate the skin’s oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Softens rough, dry skin and has a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Glowing, Beautiful Black Skin
Beautiful black skin thrives on moisture, preventing dryness and irritation. Opt for moisturizers rich in Ayurvedic herbs, known for promoting healthy, radiant skin. However, remember that topical products alone won’t suffice; dietary changes are vital. In addition to the usual advice (more water, less dairy, sugar, and greasy foods), consider incorporating Ayurvedic herbs into your diet for both skin health and beauty benefits. Eat for health, and watch your skin glow.
Seek Professional Guidance
I’m not a skincare professional, just a black woman who’s dealt with hyperpigmentation, body acne, and dry skin. Sharing what’s worked for me.
Remember, skin issues can stem from health problems. Discuss skin concerns with your primary care provider, who may refer you to a dermatologist. Ensure the dermatologist has experience with African American skin.
After a clean bill of health, seek out local estheticians. They can guide your skincare routine and product choices. Regular esthetician visits are crucial for maintaining beautiful, glowing black skin. Don’t let health issues keep you from your skin goals.
Fake it Till You Make it
Of course, beautiful glowing black skin does not happen overnight. Don’t feel ashamed I have been there. If you just need that instant gratification look into body shimmer, or glow makeup for women of color.
Now Glow Black Girl! Glow, Black Girl! Glow!
Conclusion
In conclusion, beautiful black skin is achievable with the right skincare routine and ingredients. Whether you’re looking for the best moisturizer for black skin, seeking out home remedies for black skin care, or searching for vitamins that can help make your skin glow, there are many options available to you. With a little bit of effort, you can have the radiant, flawless skin you’ve always wanted.
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